New shift patterns force rig workers offshore for 26 days

Claims by bosses that no offshore oil worker would spend longer than 21 days on a rig as a result of new shift patterns were exposed as a lie last week.

Some staff on the Ninian Central platform spent 26 consecutive days offshore after poor weather conditions had prevented helicopter transfers.

The news came as the result of a strike ballot of staff working for Caterers Offshore Trade Association employers was set to be announced this week. A catering strike offshore could lead to shutdowns of rigs if it goes ahead.

Meanwhile Socialist Worker understands that divers have voted overwhelmingly to reject a pay offer for this year.

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